Dimension: 1.3.7 Voting
This dimension concerns arrangements for voting by MPs, including by voice or by ballot. The ability of MPs to cast votes for or against a policy or proposal for a law is essential to the exercise of their representative function. Voting powers should be exercised by MPs only, who should be able to vote freely without interference or improper influence.
Votes should be recorded – by roll call, electronic record, or paper record/tally – and published, so as to give an “on-the-record” account of how each MP voted. Parliamentary rules should stipulate any exceptions to the official recording and publication of MPs’ votes. Under these rules, a minority of MPs should be able to demand that a recorded vote be held.
If parliament allows proxy or remote voting, the related mechanisms should be stipulated in its rules of procedure.
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Restricted to MPs
Parliament’s rules of procedure set out provisions on voting. Voting powers are restricted to MPs. If parliament allows proxy or remote voting, the related mechanisms are also stipulated in its rules of procedure.
No 2: Minority right to call for a vote
Parliament’s rules of procedure establish how a minority of MPs can call for a vote be held on a specific matter.
No 3: Recording and publication
Parliament’s rules of procedure clearly define how votes will be recorded and published. Any exceptions are set out in the rules.
No 4: Practice
Parliament’s rules of procedure on voting are applied consistently in practice. MPs are able to vote freely without interference or improper influence.
How to complete this assessment
This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based.
The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:
- Provisions of parliament’s rules of procedure on voting
- Publicly available records of votes in parliament
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
Download this indicatorGet help with this assessment
The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators.
Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.
URL copied to clipboard